CEO Introduction

Dear Special Olympics Oregon Family,

I want to take a moment and introduce myself. Not only am I thrilled to be joining this incredible organization but I am also looking forward to the most exciting part of my job, getting to meet all of you!

I come to Oregon from my native Minnesota, where I spent over 20 years creating relationships and building partnerships in professional sports. I credit an exceptional Special Olympics athlete in Minnesota with showing me the importance and impact the organization plays in the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families. It was drawing on our friendship throughout the years that led me to want to be a part of a mission that is so unifying and inclusive. Not to mention, incredibly fun!

In this year when we celebrate so many significant Special Olympics milestones, we also look ahead to the next 50 years of unifiers, doers, supporters and athletes. The Special Olympics movement is built on the idea that sport opens hearts and minds toward people with intellectual disabilities and creates inclusive communities throughout Oregon and the world. My work as CEO is to turn that vision into action by connecting with community and business leaders and creating deep and lasting partnerships to help support our life-changing programs for 14,000 participants throughout the state.

With so much on the horizon, this next chapter of Special Olympics Oregon will be our most important. There are challenges ahead but with your input and help, together we can grow our mission, create new opportunities and build new friendships that will last a lifetime.

In the months ahead, I look forward to getting out on the road, meeting you, watching your achievements and sharing our plans for the future.